Bedwetting Enuresis Alarm Information
The aim of a bedwetting, enuresis alarm, is for the loud sound to start straight after the child begins to wet. The sound of the bed wetting alarm is supposed to wake the child and help the message get through from the bladder to the brain. Over time the aim is that the child will stop wetting as soon as the alarm sounds. They will then stop wetting altogether.
Unfortunately, many children wet early in the night and they don’t wake to the alarm. The parent thinks the alarm does not work and they give up. The child is often in their deepest phase of sleep early in the night so is less likely to realise their bladder is full. They are also less likely to wake to the alarm.
We recommend starting with a drinking program, treating any bowel sluggishness and checking any foods and drinks which may be causing problems before starting the alarm. This often gives you a quicker result with the alarm.
Alarms have various sounds. Some emit a siren sound or loud noise when triggered. Others can be recorded with the parent′s voice. Others, including the Pad and Bell variety are generally very loud. All bedwetting alarms are battery operated so there is no chance of an electric shock. They operate by giving off a loud sound, or a recorded message of the parent′s or child’s voice, as soon as the sensor gets wet. Some alarms also have a flashing light and a vibration option.
One type of enuresis alarm, the clip-on or body worn alarm is a small plastic box which is attached to the pyjama top. A lead connects the box to a sensor which is placed between two pairs of underpants. The lead can be threaded between two T-shirts to hold it in place. This type of alarm can be used while the child is still wearing pull-ups. The sensor goes between underpants and pull-ups. If this system helps the parents to persist with the program then that is what will achieve results in the end. Once the child stars to improve the pull-ups can be removed.
Another type of alarm is a pad and bell. The child lies on a special alarm mat which has a moisture sensor in it. A sheet goes over the alarm mat to hold it in place, make it comfortable and stop perspiration setting it off accidentally. The alarm box sits on the bedside table. A lead connects the pad to the alarm box.
There is also a wireless alarm, whereby a transmitter attaches to the underpants which then transmits the sound to the alarm box on the bedside table. We have found that this type of alarm is not as reliable as the other types of alarm. It may be that the transmitter gets moisture inside as it sits on the underpants or the wireless function interferes with other household wireless products. We no longer stock this type of alarm.
See our range of bedwetting alarms here
